U.S. patent number 10,024,388 [Application Number 14/471,034] was granted by the patent office on 2018-07-17 for balancing weights with multi layer adhesive tape.
This patent grant is currently assigned to WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH & CO. KG. The grantee listed for this patent is Wegmann automotive GmbH & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Felix Bode, Ingo Heger.
United States Patent |
10,024,388 |
Heger , et al. |
July 17, 2018 |
Balancing weights with multi layer adhesive tape
Abstract
Balancing weights for cars have an adhesive tape with at least a
first tape layer and a second tape layer, for attaching the
balancing weights to a rim. The first tape layer is held in close
proximity to a rim by a first adhesive layer. The second tape layer
is held in close proximity to the balancing weights by a second
adhesive layer. The first tape layer is stiffer and less flexible
than the second tape layer, the second tape layer is softer and
more flexible than the first tape layer. This allows easy removal
of the balancing weights from the rim by pushing a wedge shaped
tool between the first tape layer and the rim.
Inventors: |
Heger; Ingo (Wurzburg,
DE), Bode; Felix (Veitshochheim, DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wegmann automotive GmbH & Co. KG |
Veitschochheim |
N/A |
DE |
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Assignee: |
WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH & CO.
KG (Veitshochheim, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
46940272 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/471,034 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140368024 A1 |
Dec 18, 2014 |
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US 20170009846 A9 |
Jan 12, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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PCT/EP2013/054078 |
Feb 28, 2013 |
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13408183 |
Feb 29, 2012 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 30, 2012 [EP] |
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12182444 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16F
15/324 (20130101); F16F 15/328 (20130101); F16F
15/345 (20130101); F16F 2230/0005 (20130101); Y10T
428/28 (20150115); Y10T 428/24868 (20150115); F16F
2230/0011 (20130101); B32B 38/10 (20130101); B32B
43/006 (20130101); Y10T 156/11 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B32B
3/00 (20060101); B32B 7/12 (20060101); F16F
15/32 (20060101); F16F 15/34 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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25 22 149 |
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Nov 1976 |
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DE |
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2522149 |
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Nov 1976 |
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DE |
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10 2007 050 528 |
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Apr 2009 |
|
DE |
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102007050528 |
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Apr 2009 |
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DE |
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1 613 876 |
|
Jan 2006 |
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EP |
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2 909 150 |
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May 2008 |
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FR |
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1 501 781 |
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Feb 1978 |
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GB |
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S58-152612 |
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Sep 1983 |
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JP |
|
S60-229977 |
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Nov 1985 |
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JP |
|
3019263 |
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Dec 1995 |
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JP |
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2002-508487 |
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Mar 2002 |
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JP |
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2010-540732 |
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Dec 2010 |
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JP |
|
2160932 |
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Dec 2000 |
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RU |
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WO/92/000471 |
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Jan 1992 |
|
WO |
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WO/99/031406 |
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Jun 1999 |
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WO |
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WO/99/031407 |
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Jun 1999 |
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WO |
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WO/99/031407 |
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Jun 1999 |
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WO |
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WO/07/116166 |
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Oct 2007 |
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WO |
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Other References
Extended European Search Report in European Application No.
12182442.9 dated Jan. 30, 2013. cited by applicant .
Extended European Search Report in European Application No.
12182444.5 dated Jan. 30, 2013. cited by applicant .
International Preliminary Report on Patentability in International
Application No. PCT/EP2013/054078 dated Sep. 2, 2014. cited by
applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion in International
Application No. PCT/EP2013/054078 dated Jun. 7, 2013. cited by
applicant .
Notification of Reasons for Refusal in Japanese Patent Application
No. 2014-559223 dispatched Oct. 17, 2016 (English translation
included). cited by applicant .
Office action in Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-559223 dated
May 29, 2017. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Rummel; Ian
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Parent Case Text
PRIORITY CLAIM
This application is a continuation of pending International
Application No. PCT/EP2013/054078 filed on 28 Feb. 2013, which
designates the United States, claims priority to European
Application No. 12182444.5 filed on Aug. 30, 2012, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/408,183 filed
on Feb. 29, 2012. The contents of each of the foregoing
applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. Balancing weight for wheels, comprising an adhesive tape for
attaching the balancing weight to a rim, the adhesive tape further
comprising: a first tape layer configured to be held in close
proximity to the rim by a first adhesive layer; and a second tape
layer held in close proximity to the balancing weight by a second
adhesive layer; wherein the first tape layer is stiffer and less
flexible than the second tape layer, and the second tape layer is
softer and more flexible than the first tape layer; and wherein the
first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have the same
adhesive strength.
2. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the balancing
weight comprises a plurality of individual weight segments
interconnected by connecting elements.
3. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the first
tape layer comprises a film and the second tape layer comprises a
foam.
4. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the first
tape layer comprises a Polyethylene foam.
5. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the first
adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are of the same
material.
6. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second
tape layer comprises a Polyurethane foam.
7. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second
tape layer bears at least a visible marking.
8. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second
adhesive layer is transparent.
9. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second
tape layer bears magnetic particles or parts.
10. Method for removing a balancing weight according to claim 1
from a rim, the method comprising the steps of: pressing a
wedge-shaped tool under the first tape layer, ripping the first
tape layer, together with at least the second tape layer and the
balancing weight, off the rim, removing the tape layers and
balancing weight in one piece.
11. Method for removing a balancing weight according to claim 1
from a rim, the method comprising the steps of: pressing a
wedge-shaped tool between the balancing weight and the first tape
layer, splitting the second tape layer or ripping the second tape
layer off the balancing weight, removing the balancing weight, and
removing the first tape layer in one piece.
12. The method for removing a balance weight according to claim 11,
wherein the balancing weight is removed in one piece.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to balancing weights and belts of balancing
weights with adhesive tapes.
2. Description of Relevant Art
In automotive wheel balancing, individual wheel balancing weights
are applied to specific positions of a rim. Basically, two types of
balancing weight are used. The first kind is a balancing weight
which is attached by a clamp, as disclosed in the European patent
EP 1 613 876 B1, while the second kind is fixed by means of a
self-adhesive tape, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,421 B1.
Before starting a new balancing process, old balancing weights have
to be removed. After removing adhesive balancing weights, in most
cases a residue remains at the rim. With time, this collects
further dust and becomes unsightly. A solutions is disclosed in WO
99/31407 A1, using a polymer film with a removal tab and foam
layers on both sides. By pulling the tab, the foam layers can be
pulled out between the balancing weight and the rim. The drawback
is that a tab showing under the balancing weight is not desired.
Another solution is disclosed in WO 99/31406 A1, there the adhesive
tape has a higher adhesive strength to the wheel weight than to
rim. This requires a complex adhesive tape system with at least two
different types of adhesive.
A rotatable tool for removing balancing weights is disclosed in DE
10 2007 050 528 A1.
A balancing weight comprising a strand of mass material is
disclosed in DE 25 22 149.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments are based on the object of providing a balancing
weight or balancing weights and a belt of balancing weights, which
can be easily removed from a rim of a wheel without leaving any
residue and without using a complex tool. Furthermore, the
balancing weights should be inexpensive and simple.
In an embodiment, at least one balancing weight is attached to an
adhesive tape. The adhesive tape has at least two different tape
layers of different mechanical properties. A first tape layer is
provided for being held in close proximity to a rim. It is
preferably held by a first adhesive layer. A second tape layer is
held in close proximity to the balancing weight. It is preferably
held by a second adhesive layer. It is furthermore preferred to
have a liner for protecting the adhesive surface of the first
adhesive layer, directed to the rim. The liner has to be removed
before applying the balancing weight to the rim. To allow for an
easy and residue less removal, the first tape layer is stiffer and
less flexible than the second tape layer. The second tape layer is
softer and more flexible than the first tape layer and allows for
compensation of mechanical tolerances and or uneven surfaces. The
first tape layer is preferably held at the second tape layer by a
third adhesive layer. Alternatively, melting, extruding or any
other kind of fixing the layers together may be usable. The
balancing weights mentioned herein are generally for balancing of
wheels, preferably for balancing of vehicle wheels and most
preferably for car or motorbike wheels.
In a preferred embodiment, the first tape layer and the second tape
layer are of one piece. This may be done by generating a material
having a higher density in the area of the first tape layer and the
lower density in the area of the second tape layer. For example,
the same piece of material may be non-foam for me first tape layer
and may have a foam structure for the second tape layer.
In an alternate embodiment, the first tape layer has a higher
tensile strength than the second tape layer. It is preferred, if
the second tape layer has a higher elasticity than the first tape
layer.
In both embodiments, the balancing weight may easily be removed
from the rim. A method of removing, preferably comprises to press a
preferably wedge shaped tool between the balancing weight and the
rim. The tool may be a simple plastic wedge. It may be driven by
hammering. Due to the higher flexibility or higher elasticity of
the second tape layer, there is a certain probability, that the
tool splits the second layer or at least rips the balancing weight
off the second layer. So the balancing weight can be removed from
the rim. For the case, the balancing weights are connected to each
other, for example by connecting elements, the balancing weights
may be removed in one piece. There is the first tape layer
remaining at the rim. Due to its higher stiffness or higher tensile
strength, the first tape layer can be removed in one piece from the
rim. In cases, where the tool penetrates below the first tape
layer, the first tape layer may be removed together with the
balancing weights, preferably in one piece.
In a further embodiment, there is at least one support layer
provided to stabilize the balancing weights. Preferably, this
support layer is a rigid or semi-rigid layer. This layer may be a
sheet, foil, or tape of any material, preferably of metal (e.g.
steel or aluminum) or a reinforced plastic material. Most
preferably, this layer comprises a glass fiber or carbon fiber
reinforced plastic material. This layer may also comprise a grid or
mesh which may also be of metal or plastic, preferably a glass or
carbon fiber reinforced plastic. This layer gives the whole
assembly of tapes and weights some stiffness and prevents bending
when the belt comprising of the tape and the balancing weights is
transported from a dispenser and handed over to a robot or a person
for being attached to a wheel rim.
In a preferred embodiment, the tape has at least two tape layers of
different materials, preferably two different foam layers. For
example the first tape layer may comprise Polyethylene (PE) while
the second tape layer may comprise Polyurethane (PU). Preferably a
PU foam is used, which is comparatively soft and a ductile. The
properties of this foam allow for compensation of variations of the
surface of the rim (leveling). It is preferred, if the PU foam has
a density of 500 kg/m3 with a tolerance of 20%, most preferably 10%
above and below this value. At least another layer of PE foam is
comparatively stiff and has a comparatively high shear force. This
makes the whole belt of the balancing weights and the tapes
comparatively stiff, so that a section of a plurality of balancing
weights attached to a piece of tape may be handled as one piece. It
may be sufficient to grip manually or by a robot only one of the
plurality of balancing weights for handling and transporting the
whole piece. It is preferred, if the PE foam has a density of 200
kg/m3 with a tolerance of 20%, most preferably 10% above and below
this value.
In another embodiment, the layers may have different thickness. It
is preferred if the first layer is thinner than the second layer.
Preferably another layer has twice the thickness of the first
layer. The thickness of the layers may be in a range from 0.01 mm
to 5 mm.
In a further embodiment the layers may have different densities,
preferably different foam densities. It is preferred, if the
densities are in a range from 10 kg/m3 to 2000 kg/m3.
Preferably the first tape layer film has a mechanical strength and
most preferably a tensile strength which is sufficient to pull the
first tape layer together with the other layers and preferably with
at least one balancing weight off the rim. This allows for easy
removal of the balancing weights and the adhesive tape without
damaging and without leaving adhesive tape residues at the rim
surface. Without such a base film, in most cases, at least one of
the foam layers breaks during removal, often causing pieces of the
foam layer and other layers remaining at the rim. The base film
protects the softer foam layers from getting torn.
It is further preferred, if at least one of the layers, preferably
a layer close to the bottom of the adhesive tape, most preferably
the first tape layer bears some marking. This marking may be text,
letters, numbers or even a bar code or any image. It may provide
information for identifying the type of balancing weight, the
manufacturing date, the manufacturer, or any other information.
Marking of the layer may be done by stamping, printing, cutting,
etching or by laser writing. Such marking allows a higher density
of information than molding or engraving any marking on the surface
of the balancing weight. Furthermore the marking process of the
base film is cheaper and more flexible compared to marking of a
balancing weight. The marking of the base film may change between
individual balancing weights like a serial number changes from
weight to weight. For the case, there is any further layer covering
this marking, preferably this layer is transparent. Such a marking
is preferred over a marking of the liner, as it allows easy
identification of balancing weights, even with removed liner. A
marked liner may no more be available when the balancing weights
have been prepared for immediate application to rim or after used
balancing weights have been removed from the rim.
It is further preferred, if at least one of the surfaces of the
layers has acrylate adhesive on a surface. Such an adhesive may
increase mechanical strength of the adhesive tape and/or may
prevent separation of the different layers.
In a further embodiment, the first adhesive layer and the second
adhesive layer have similar adhesive strengths. Most preferably,
they have the same adhesive strength. It is further preferred, if
the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive are of the same
material.
In another embodiment, there may be an opening, which may be a
punching at least one of the tapes. There may be a metal part,
preferably a magnetic part in such an opening. This may be used for
automatic handling of the balancing weights together with the
tapes. The opening may further be used to apply a vacuum for
gripping the balancing weights and the tapes. It is further
preferred, if at least one of the tapes has a through hole.
Furthermore, there may be magnetic particles in at least one of the
layers, preferably in the base film. Alternatively, magnetic,
particularly permanently magnetic, ribs can also be threaded into
the base film. This facilitates handling of the balancing weight,
because the adhesive balancing weight is easier to grip. If at
least one of the layers, preferably the base film is embodied as
magnetic, the adhesive balancing weight is also suitable for
automated application, due to its magnetic support. In this case,
it is not necessary to wait for the adhesive, or for the
development of the adhesive effect thereof. The adhesive balancing
weight is held securely in position, even immediately after its
attachment to a magnetic adhesive surface.
In a further embodiment, a balancing weight has an adhesive tape
for attaching the balancing weight to a rim. The adhesive tape has
at least a second tape layer which bears at least a visible marking
and a second adhesive layer, which is transparent for holding the
adhesive tape to the rim. Therefore the visible marking can be read
through the transparent second adhesive layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following, the invention will be described by way of
example, without limitation of the general inventive concept, on
examples of embodiment and with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a balancing weight.
FIG. 2 shows the balancing weights in a side view.
FIG. 3 shows balancing weight tape layers.
FIG. 4 shows a first method of removing balancing weights
FIG. 5 shows the first step of a second method of removing
balancing weights
FIG. 6 shows the second step of a second method of removing
balancing weights
FIG. 7 shows a different set of layers in detail.
FIG. 8 shows a different set of layers with a base film.
FIG. 9 shows a different set of layers with a further base
film.
FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment with adhesive layers in
detail.
FIG. 11 shows further embodiment with visible marking.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of
example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It
should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed
description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment is shown. A balancing weight 10
may comprise a plurality of individual weights segments 18, which
are preferably into connected by connecting elements 31. According
to the actual required weight, a number of connected weight
segments may be applied to the rim of a wheel.
In FIG. 2, the previous balancing weight is shown in a side view.
Here, the balancing weight is supported by second tape layer 20,
first tape layer 21 and liner 22. The liner has to be removed
before applying the balancing weight to a rim. The first tape layer
21 preferably acts as support layer and preferably is a rigid or
semi-rigid layer. Preferably this layer comprises foam having
higher stiffness and shear force compared to the second tape layer.
Most preferably this layer comprises PE (Polyethylene) foam or
film. The second tape layer 20 preferably acts as leveling layer
and therefore preferably comprises foam having lower stiffness than
the first tape layer. Most preferably this layer comprises PU
(Polyurethane) foam. There may be a further support layer (not
shown here) between the second tape layer 20 and the first tape
layer 21. Depending on the requirements the properties of second
tape layer 20 and first tape layer 21 may also be exchanged. There
may also be a softer layer above and another softer layer below a
stiffer layer stabilizing the assembly, while the softer layers are
leveling and compensation for tolerances of the balancing weight
and the rim.
In FIG. 3, a balancing weight is shown on the tape layers in
detail. The balancing weight 10 is attached to the second tape
layer 20. Below this second tape layer 20 is first tape layer 21.
This is furthermore protected by liner 22.
In FIG. 4, removal of a balancing weight is shown. A tool 81, which
preferably is wedge shaped is pushed under the balancing weight 10,
therefore ripping the segments of the balancing weight off the rim
80. It is preferred to have a sharp tool, which may penetrate under
the first tape layer 21. Preferably the tool it comprises a plastic
material or at least a material which is softer than the rim to
prevent damages of the rim or its surface. Due to the properties of
the first tape layer 21 and the connecting elements 31 connecting
individual balancing weight segments, the balancing weight 10 may
be removed in one piece. Removing of balancing weights in one piece
simplifies cleaning and discarding of the balancing weights.
In FIG. 5, a second method of removing a balancing weight is shown.
Here, the tool 81 is inserted under the balancing weight 10, either
splitting the second tape layer 20 or separating the second tape
layer 20 from the individual balancing weight segments. Due to the
connecting elements 31 between the balancing weight segments, the
balancing weight may be removed in one piece. After the step at
least parts of the adhesive tape remains at the rim.
In FIG. 6, the second step of the second method is shown. Here, the
remaining layers of the adhesive tape is pulled off, preferably by
applying force into a direction 82. Due to the properties of the
first tape layer, this may be pulled off in one piece further
holding remaining parts of other layers of the adhesive tape.
In FIG. 7, a different set of layers is shown in detail. A
balancing weight 10 is attached to second tape layer 20. Below this
layer is support layer 23 which comprises of a comparatively stiff
material. Below this layer is first tape layer 21, which preferably
comprises a comparatively soft material for leveling. This is
furthermore protected by liner 22.
In FIG. 8 a different set of layers with a base film is shown. Here
a base film 40 is arranged below second tape layer 20. Preferably
second tape layer 20 comprises a comparatively soft material which
is protected by the base film 40. Preferably the base film has a
mechanical strength and most preferably a tensile strength which is
sufficient to pull the base film together with the other layers and
preferably with at least one balancing weight off the rim. This
allows for easy removal of the balancing weight and the adhesive
tape without damaging and without leaving adhesive tape residues at
the rim surface. Without such a base film, in most cases, at least
one of the foam layers breaks during removal, often causing pieces
of the foam layer and other layers remaining at the rim. The base
film protects the softer foam layers from getting torn. The base
film may be used in any combination with the layers disclosed
herein.
In FIG. 9, an embodiment with a further base film 40 is shown. The
base film 40 is connected to the second tape layer 20 by means of
fourth adhesive layer 53.
In FIG. 10, a preferred embodiment is shown in detail together with
adhesive layers. This figure refers to the assembly of FIG. 3. Here
in addition adhesive layers 50, 51, 52 are shown. The second
adhesive layer 50 fixes a balancing weight 10 to the second tape
layer 20. Furthermore first adhesive layer 52 is used to hold the
first tape layer 21 and therefore, the whole assembly including all
layers and the balancing weight to a rim. This adhesive layer is
protected by liner 22. Herein for simplicity the term adhesive
layer is used. These adhesive layers are different from the further
layers like second tape layer 20, first tape layer 21 or support
layer 23. The main function is to connect neighboring layers, or to
hold the assembly to a rim. Generally an adhesive layer may
comprise of a thin film of adhesive, preferably of an acrylate.
Some of the layers, preferably second tape layer 20 and first tape
layer 21 may be connected by other means like melting or laminating
to neighboring layers or balancing weights.
In FIG. 11 an embodiment similar to FIG. 10 is shown. Here the
first tape layer 21 has some marking like a text 60 identifying the
manufacturer or a bar code 61. In this preferred embodiment the
first adhesive layer 52 and the liner 22 are transparent. In the
case of a non-transparent liner, the marking will become visible
after the liner has been removed.
It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that this invention is believed to
provide balancing weights for vehicles and methods for removing
such balancing weights from the rim of a wheel. Further
modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of
this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed
as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those
skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the
invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention
shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently
preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted
for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may
be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized
independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art
after having the benefit of this description of the invention.
Changes may be made in the elements described herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described
in the following claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 balancing weight 11 trapezoidal balancing weight 17 bending
direction 18 individual balancing weights 20 second tape layer 21
first tape layer 22 liner 23 support layer 31 connecting element 40
base film 50 second adhesive layer 51 third adhesive layer 52 first
adhesive layer 53 fourth adhesive layer 60 marking 61 barcode 80
rim of a wheel 81 tool 82 direction of force
* * * * *